Sri Lanka frogmouth

The Sri Lanka Frogmouth (Batrachostomus moniliger) belongs to the family of frogmouths, Podargidae. These frogmouth species are distributed in the Western Ghats of south India and Sri Lanka.
In India, they occur in high rainfall areas of Kerala and Goa states. These species are nocturnal and are related to nightjars. These frogmouth birds are monotypic species.

Description

The Sri Lanka Frogmouth is a small nocturnal bird, measuring about 22 cm in length. These birds show sexual dimorphism, the males being pale gray brown in color whereas the females are chestnut brown. The male birds have thin barring and spotted crown. Short and stiff bristles are seen surrounding the eyes. The bill is wide and slight hooked. The nostrils are slit-like and the eyes face forward. The plumage coloration and patterns make them to blend with surroundings and it is very difficult to spot them. Their call is a loud, screechy "shkeerauuw" and rapid "skwar-skwar-skwar" sound.

Indian birds - Sri Lanka Frogmouth - Batrachostomus moniliger

Birds of India - Sri Lanka Frogmouth - Batrachostomus moniliger

Indian birds - Batrachostomus moniliger

Birds of India - Batrachostomus moniliger

Habitat

These frogmouth species roost in trees in dense tropical forests, evergreen forests and bamboo thickets. They are sometimes seen in plantations.

Diet and feeding habits

These birds are nocturnal and feed on insects, beetles and moths.

Breeding

The breeding season of these frogmouth species is between January and April in India and February to March in Sri Lanka. The nest is made with moss, down feathers, lichens and bark. A single egg is laid and both the parents take turns to incubate.

Distribution

These birds occur in Western Ghats mountain range region of India, extending from Goa state in the north to Trivandrum district (Kerala state) in the south. In Sri Lanka, except for the dry northern regions, these birds are common.

Movement and migration patterns

These frogmouth species are non-migratory and are resident birds. They may make local movements for feeding and breeding.

Conservation status and concerns

The global population of the Sri Lanka Frogmouth has not been quantified. The overall population trend is considered to be stable. It is uncommon in India, but is very common in Sri Lanka. Considering its common presence and lack of any substantial threats, it is inferred to be least "Vulnerable" to extinction.

The IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) has categorized and evaluated these frogmouth species and has listed them as of "Least Concern".